The elaborate hollow handles of this lovely set speak for their Victorian origins, balanced by traditional sterling blades. These were likely part of a set, but large for a fruit / dessert set at 8.5 inches (knife) and 7.4 inches (fork). Hallmarked for London 1849 (knife) and 1852 (fork), the maker could have been either George W. Adams or George Angell (identical marks)...

These are older D & H Pointed Antique / Broad Antique knives – introduced in 1895 – with stainless French Modern replacement blades marked “Brilliant.” They are 9-1/8 in. long and bear a lovely Arts & Crafts monogram. They are marked only “sterling handle” which is very common for knives, but I got them with several other pieces of Dominick & Haff of the same vintage with the same monogram, so I'm comfortable with the identification...

Nice example of Gorham's multi-motif pattern introduced in 1890. The French style implied by the pattern's name has Rococo elements that go well with the heart-shaped bowl which has a repousse “rat tail” extending nearly to its tip. There is a very, very faint remnant of a monogram D, but it's so shallow and worn (not removed) as to be almost indiscernible. Marked simply with the Gorham logo and the word “sterling.” The condition is excellent...

Beautiful stuffing or basting spoon in the “Louis XIV” pattern first patented in 1847 by John Chandler Moore. It was variously produced by John Polhemus (Polhamus) and Henry Hebbard, all of whom sold through Tiffany prior to Tiffany's own silver production. This must have been an early example because it's not marked “sterling” as most other pieces made for Tiffany were; rather, it is coin. There is a monogram WCA...

The 6 spoons (8.1 inches) are in one of the most traditional patterns of theWestern world, originating in Germany in the late 18th century: the “Fiddle Thread” or “Fadenmuster”. They are 800 fine, or 80% pure, silver. Peter Bruckmann & Sons was located in Heilbronn, Germany, from 1805 until 1973 and enjoyed prestige as one of Germany's finest makers...

This fork is an example of a prolific maker of reproduction pieces that were marketed around 1900 – coinciding with the rise of the Arts & Crafts movement – as hand-made items based on antique forms. The mark on the underside – (925)(000) – is a uniform mark on all pieces I've ever seen. Some are plain, and some are decorated with a wreath, ribbons, and a shield like this fork. All pieces appear to be heavy and a tad awkward in their execution...

The Old English form of the 6 sterling spoons is dressed with a lovely and traditional diamond hand-cut and engraved design by highly respected London silversmith Thomas Dealtry who was entered into the goldsmiths' registry in 1765. They are hallmarked for 1802 with the mark Dealtry registered in 1799. The spoons are 5 inches long, and their condition is very, very good. There are no dents or pits, and no bends to the handles, which have an appropriate (and attractive) Gothic 'P' monogram...

This charming lemon fork has a handle with gold lemons and green leaves cut out on the handle which terminates in traditionally splayed tines. The condition is excellent, the enamel intact, without scratches or bends. Length is 4.75 inches and the weight is 8 grams.

This lovely little fork is probably a place fork – ramekin? Pickle? Dessert? At 5.4 inches, it seems a bit short for anything else. It could be used as a small serving fork. The pattern dates to 1898 – 3 years before Howard Sterling Co. went into receivership. The handle has a fluted texture from which spring acanthus leaves forming the lacy architecture of the remaining handle. The ovate blade of the fork is simple but graceful. There is no monogram...

The Classical elements of Gorham's Pompeii pattern – volutes, acanthus, anthemion – are as crisp as when they were new, with no heel, knife, or stacking scratches. Amazing that these four dinner-size (7.5 inch) forks could have survived over 150 years with no monogram! They were likely made in the year the pattern was introduced (1868) because they are coin (Gorham phased out coin silver in 1868) and they have 'Patent Applied For' which assures an early production. Weight is 212 grams.

The Engraved Lily pattern was a somewhat standard bright-cut pattern – that is, it was made by several makers and was very popular ca. 1885. The lily blossoms follow the curvature of the handle, punctuated with diamond cuts. This youth set is marked with Sterling and the name of Harris & Schafer, a respected Washington DC retailer, which is unlikely to have been the maker. The set has been used but not abused...

This simple and beautiful coin silver serving spoon from a fine old Boston maker is in wonderful condition – an Oval Thread handle balanced by an elegant teardrop bowl, with almost no scratches at all – clearly well cared for in its 150 years – no dings, dents, or bends to be seen or felt. The front of the handle is engraved with the name Abbott in Gothic lettering, and it's 8-5/8 in. long. Weight is 66 grams.

The Chrysanthemum pattern was introduced by Gorham in 1885, together with many other bright-cuts that were emerging at that time. The bright-cut pieces were hand-engraved – no two are exactly alike, and were labor intensive. The bowl of this attractive sauce ladle has chrysanthemums engraved in the acid-etched bowl as well. There are no monograms or removals, scratches or bends or dings. The length is just under 6 inches (hard to measure!) and the weight is 34 grams. The mark is the Gorha...

“Louis XIV” mustard spoon / ladle by Henry Hebbard is marked with the patent date of 1847 and with the retailer J. Rudd & Co. The pattern is double-struck, and is in fine condition. There are no bends, and the bowl has an excellent finish. There is a lovely period script monogram MEM. The length is 5.25 inches, the bowl 7/8 inches, and the weight is 20 grams.

Typical of the tension between form and design that evolved in Europe around 1900, the traditional pointed antique form of this cake knife and its sculptural, floral decoration combine in a pleasing silver handle which is complemented by an elegantly simpler gold-washed blade with light engraving. The handle is marked only with a small stamp '800' which doesn't conform to most Continental guarantee marks other than, perhaps, Italy. The silk-lined case, which shows some superficial wear, has t...

Typical of Martin Hall (Sheffield), these 2 berry spoons are very well made, with close attention to detail. They are silver plate, 8 in. long, and date from ca. 1875. The bowls are scalloped; the upper – twisted – half of the handles spring from skeletal figures and are topped with plinths supporting St. Peter. The whole is acid-etched, and both bowls and apostles have light gold-washed finishes. There is a small area of light staining on the bowl which may clean, but I have chosen not ...

Hindostanee, introduced in 1878, epitomized the Romantic movement – the pursuit of the exotic in places such as the Ancient Near East, North Africa, and India. Gorham's interpretation invoked the curving lines and patterns associated with the Indian designs found in woodworking, tile, textiles and metals. This delicacy of line is contained in a stylized mango leaf which follows the form of the handle. The tines are bright-cut on an acid-etched surface. A small cartouche in the handle conta...